Half Bottles

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | A fresh and rather steely white with aromas and flavors of sliced apples, lemons, minerals and flint. Medium-bodied, crisp and vivid, with the steely character coming through at the end. Subtle and delicious throughout. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

This wine is clean and lively with a flowery bouquet and lovely honey, apples and nutty flavors on the palate.

Pair with grilled fish, seafood, and Comté cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | There's intensity to this red, which showcases cherry, boysenberry and blood orange flavors. Iron, underbrush and tobacco notes peek through as this builds to the lingering aftertaste. Verges on racy courtesy of the bracing acidity. Excellent length. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

James Suckling 92 Points | An attractive and layered nose of walnuts, ground spices, grilled thyme, red cherries and red plums with a touch of meatiness. The medium-bodied palate is sleek and polished, with juicy acidity and a fine texture. Balanced, with good tension and length.

Winemaker Description 

With the desire to bring the best quality the Tuscan territory has to offer to wine lovers all over the world, Ruffino has contributed significantly to the creation of the fine image which Italian winemaking holds on the international wine scene today.

Intense powerful aromas of cherry, plum and violet opens the bouquet and fades gracefully into enticing aromas of tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon and spicy hints of black pepper. Great complexity that expresses authentic Sangiovese and Chianti Classico aromas. Full-bodied, very powerful in the mouth with elegant tannins perfectly supported with good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasant sensations of sweet tobacco. The aftertaste is particularly long and shows powerful notes of plums and lighter aromas of clove.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Decanter 95 Points | Compelling smoky mineral and sultry lemon characters ebb and flow across the nose and palate with a gorgeous crunch of acidity and texture. Very long and delicious.

Winemaker Description 

Divided over the appellations of Menetou Salon, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre always attracting plaudits and winning medals, the family are rightly very proud of their success .

Marked by its charming hilltop village in the easternmost territory of the Loire, Sancerre is famous for its racy, vivacious, citrus-dominant Sauvignon blanc. Its enormous popularity in 1970s French bistros led to its success as the go-to restaurant white around the globe in the 1980s. While the region claims a continental climate, noted for short, hot summers and long, cold winters, variations in topography—rolling hills and steep slopes from about 600 to 1,300 feet in elevation—with great soil variations, contribute the variations in character in Sancerre Sauvignon blancs. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

Winemaker Description 

Deep and dark red. On the nose intensely aromatic, with black fruits and spices. The palate is full, round and sexy. Round and smooth tannins present through the full bodied, ample wine. Overall a complete wine, with a long finish, with elegance and finesse accompanying the abundance of fruit and well-balanced tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling 90 Points | A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

The result of a long history, Burgundy and its wines are known worldwide. Pinot Noir is a native grape variety of the area. Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation whose wines can come from any part of Burgundy. This wine exhibits the characteristics of the great red Burgundies.

Our Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021 has a ruby color. Its nose reveals notes of blackcurrant buds. Its round and fresh palate offers notes of cherry for a soft finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled meat - mature cheeses. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description 

Vermouth di Torino is a collective heritage of Piedmont, which sees in the royal Savoy court as first big promoter of a product which, mainly starting from the late XVIII century, generated a flourishing industry which led Piedmont to become the Kingdom of Vermouth. 

Notes of cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, and orange peel deliver a rich and refined character.

Winemaker Description

Intense purple robe. Rich and fruity nose of ripe Merlot; chocolate and toasty oak flavors. Fresh red fruits with fresh strawberry notes, light spices, harmonious tannins, with exceptional freshness. It has all the characteristics of ageing potential and concentration. 

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | This estate claims a lineage dating back to the fourth century. The latest manifestation is rich, full and powerful. Dark in color and in bold tannins, it's rich with black-plum fruits and perfumed acidity. Drink this fine wine from 2026.

Winemaker Description

Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt.

This wine's chiseled texture, linear acidity, and long finish make it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.

Expert Review

91 Points James Suckling | Aromas of wet stone, sliced peach and fresh flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with citrus acidity and fresh stone fruit. A little phenolic tension here, too, with refreshing tannins at the finish. 

Winemaker Description

Vivid notes of black raspberry, fresh pomegranate juice, with wild blueberry, sassafras, subtle licorice, toasted oak an earthy backbone, and grippy tannins. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

90 Points James Suckling | A light and fresh pinot that has real pinot character, with sliced strawberry and citrus notes. Light-bodied, clean and an attractive.
 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | A well-rounded, focused and delicious rosé showing dried raspberries, frozen strawberries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Balanced and driven, with a lively center palate and a persistent, flavorful finish

Winemaker Description 

Whispering Angel is a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. Strikingly pale pink in color, the aromas are fresh and fruity. On the palate, it is bone dry through the finish. The name really suits the delicate nature of this wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is soft, supple and delicious. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and chocolate gives the 2023 tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. This is an especially fine edition of La Spinetta's entry-level Barbera. Best of all, this is a terrific value. 

Winemaker Description 

Intense aromas of blackberry and morello cherries. This wine is truly captivating, yet it remains fresh and extremely versatile.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Streamlined, with velvety tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations for its price point. Creamy notes of black cherry, vanilla, and purple plum bathe the mouth, giving way to a delectable finish of spiced LOHR black currant.

James Suckling by Claire Nesbitt 90 Points | Currants, sage, roasted plums and cloves on the nose of this rich and spicy red. It’s full-bodied, plush and toasty, with ripe tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast by Matt Kettmann 90 Points | Damp earth aromas lead quickly into sharp yet ripe cherry aromas on the nose of this bottling. Likable flavors of black cherry greet the palate, as wet clay, cocoa, mint and mace flavors add impressive complexity at this price point. 

Memo Summary Notes

The half-bottle size is perfect for a solo dinner or a casual weeknight meal:

• Classic Pair: A grilled ribeye or New York strip steak.

• Casual: A gourmet burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions.

• Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks with garlic and balsamic reduction.

Producer Description 

Enchanting and complex nose of red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice and delicate spices. Super-sensual palate that’s rich and refined, with so many nuances that you could spend hours studying it. Stunning interplay of ripe fruit with raw-meat and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish that makes it hard not to take another gulp. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A nice mix of stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with bright acidity. A solid, lively and refreshing California chardonnay at an affordable price.

 Winemaker Description

Round and fresh with notes of ripe pineapple, kumquat, lemon zest, and touches of Golden Delicious apple, with bright acidity throughout and almond on the finish.

Fresh and zesty. Pairs effortlessly with seafood, fresh pasta and salty potato chips. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast: Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose. The palate starts with a tantalizing acidity and stony texture, giving edge to the richer cream and vanilla-meringue flavors that arise by the finish.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous. 

Expert Reviews 

92 Points James Suckling | This has aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel, quince, toast and almonds. It’s medium-bodied with creamy, fine tannins. Silky texture. Nutty complexity at the end.

91 Points Decanter Magazine | Noticeable fruit intensity and fresh notes of red fruits, fresh blueberries and a small amount of quince. Interesting and quite demanding. Blend : 55% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay

90 Points Wine Spectator | A crisp and lacy Champagne, with a hint of smoke underscoring flavors of poached apricot, pastry cream and pickled ginger. An overtone of Mandar

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A sleek and vibrant red, offering medium-bodied flavors of cherry and cranberry that take on green tea and forest floor accents as this builds toward zesty tannins.

Winemaker Description

Bright cherry and raspberry aromas complement notes of cinnamon and delicate violet, while the palate strikes a balance between juicy plum and boysenberry and complex, earthy cola and leather, finishing with chalky tannins and hints of crème brulée. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts 91 Points | his wine is vibrant, with aromas of Meyer lemon, green papaya and lemongrass on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white nectarine, orange sherbet and allspice, intertwined with pink grapefruit zest, mineral and a dry finish.  

Natalie Maclean 90 Points | Love Duckhorn 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon white wine blend (91%/9%). So elegant and fresh on the palate, it is dry, medium-plus-bodied and concentrated with tropical fruit flavours, citrus preserve, grassy and subtle spicy notes zesty, silky and rich on the palate. Excellent now, enjoy it chilled with grilled chicken breasts Dijonnaise. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from Napa, Sonoma, Lake County and Mendocino County

Winemaker Description

From the first swirl, this Sauvignon Blanc captivates with aromas of candied pineapple and guava, layered with a delicate flourish of key lime blossom. On the palate, vibrant notes of fresh melon take center stage, balanced by a lively acidity that lends energy and precision. A silky texture carries the wine to a focused finish, where a hint of minerality adds intrigue and finesse. Crisp, expressive and beautifully crafted, this wine is a stunning reflection of North Coast Sauvignon Blanc.
Production

The 2024 growing season began with abundant winter rainfall, revitalizing the vines for a strong start. Ideal weather during bud break and bloom fostered a generous crop, while above average temperatures in June and July encouraged vibrant vine growth and consistent berry ripening. Dynamic weather patterns throughout summer brought alternating warm and cool periods late into the season, with moderate September temperatures fostering balanced sugars and vibrant acidity.

Winemaker Desrcription

This is a very concentrated Brunello that combines intense notes of blood orange with a hint of chinotto mixed with complex Mediterranean spices (Helichrysum Thyme and Broom Flowers). It is a wine with a strong nerve, a vibrant acid structure that sustains a concentrated mouthfeel, rich in silky tannins. The finish is extremely long and soft.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com writes 95 Points | A deep ruby/red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino displays a brooding and serious profile initially, with aromas of dried cherries, cigar box, smoky incense, mint, and wild herbs. It comes to life with a refined and elegant feel on the palate, offering fine tannins, fresh, even acidity, and a lovely mineral-tinged backbone with wonderful freshness and purity. This is a gorgeous entry to the Brunello offerings of Val di Suga in this stellar vintage. Drink 2024-2040.

Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate writes 93 Points | Immediate and accessible in personality, the Val di Suga 2019 Brunello di Montalcino (with 90,000 bottles released) is very clean and polished in presentation and especially from a tactile point of view. Neat fruit aromas of dark cherry, mulberry and cassis fold into spice and earthiness. The wine's bright freshness also stands out and adds intensity and vibrancy to this mid-weight Brunello.

Michaela Morris of Decanter writes 92 Points |  A compilation of three distinctly diverse terroirs within Montalcino, Val di Suga’s estate Brunello is made up of equal shares from Vigna del Lago in the northeast, Poggio al Granchio in the southeast and Vigna Spuntali in the southwest. The bright ruby colour and youthful freshness are well preserved. Focused aromas of red cherry with flecks of pepper give way to deeper violet and sweet earth. Appealing and pure, the mid-weight palate offers a layer of luscious red berries and plump persimmon underscored by juicy acidity. Sandy textured tannins are supple and yielding. Hard to resist now.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Bright acidity buoys flavors of ripe nectarine, pineapple and guava fruit, plus accents of grated ginger, blood orange zest and honeysuckle. Lithe and lively on the palate, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2028. 

Winemaker Description 

Golden yellow in colour, often with copper tones. It has an intense and immediate bouquet with pronounced hints of acacia flowers, broom and apple. In the mouth it is elegantly fruity and becomes full bodies, well-structured and has a remarkably long finish.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Singed black sesame, rye, buckwheat honey, Black Forest cake and blackberry reduction notes form a large-scaled core, with a viscous texture and a long, palate-coating finish. A light echo of peanut toffee adds just enough cut on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points |  Ripe aromas of apricot, raisin and chocolate offer complex notes of dried cheese and sweat, making this anything but usual and normal. A jacked palate is racy and untamed, with bright acidity that's uncommon for wines this sweet. Chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee flavors carry an acidic balsamic note, while this remains bold, fiery and blasting on the finish. *Editor's Choice*

Wine Advocate 91 Points | The NV Noe Pedro Ximenez Muy Viejos VORS 30 Anos from sun-dried Pedro Ximenez grapes originates in the Nectar solera, and has a final average age of more than 30 years. The sugar level is 400 grams per liter. It has a different character and profile, more vinous than other PXs, it displays a volatile nose, with some minty, herbaceous and balsamic notes, intermixed with incense, ash and tar. The palate is extremely intense, velvety and round, with balanced sweetness, ending with a varnished note that lifts the wine up.

James Suckling 95 Points | To anyone who knows British Christmas pudding, the dense flavors of dried fruit, burnt sugar and spices will be nothing new. However, the sheer density of flavor will be something new to many, as will the stunning acidity at the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Certainly! The Herederos De Argueso Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty white wine from Andalucia, Spain. It has sharp peanutty aromas and a tawny color with hints of orange. On the palate, it offers sour citrus fruit flavors, burnt nuts, and cocoa, finishing dry and chalky. You can find it in a 375ml half bottle for around $25. It’s a delightful choice for those who appreciate intense, tangy flavors. 🍷🥜🍊

Argeso Amontillado is an exquisite fortified wine of subtlety and grace. On the nose, it unfurls a spectrum of delicate scents reminiscent of hazelnuts and aromatic herbs, with a distinctive hint of dark tobacco.

Upon tasting, its lightness astonishes, yet it retains a marked dryness and a complexity that unfolds gently. This Amontillado exemplifies the artful dance between simplicity and intricacy, presenting a sophisticated and approachable taste experience. 

Producer Description 

The delicate La Marca Prosecco has a pale, golden straw color and sparkles with lively effervescence. Opening with aromas of fresh-picked citrus and honeysuckle blossoms, the crisp, clean palate brings fruity flavors of green apple, juicy peach and ripe lemon, framed by hints of minerality. 

The finish is light and refreshing with a tantalizing hint of sweetness.
Always serve La Marca Prosecco chilled between 46-50°F. 

A versatile Italian Sparkling wine, La Marca Prosecco can be served in sparkling flutes or white wine glasses. A full bottle serves approximately 5-7 glasses. After pouring the first round, seal the opened bottle with a bottle stopper to keep remaining wine fresh and effervescent and keep the wine chilled to 46-50°F. An opened bottle should last about 3-4 hours with the bottle closure.

La Marca Prosecco has the charm to stand alone as an aperitif, but it also has the body and the acidity to pair well with a range of foods, from seafood and mild cheeses to rich pasta dishes and decadent desserts. 

Winemaker Description

Very dry, crisp and fresh with a slightly salty finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review

93 Points Wine & Spirits | Deliciosa grows at the Pago Miraflores in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and it’s typically aged for five years under flor. This lastest saca shows a lovely mix of almond flavors, salt and white fruit, all melding into the wine’s deep mineral notes. It’s substantial enough to serve in the company of blackened redfish.

Winemaker Description 

14 different herbs and spices are sourced all around the world to make Noilly Prat Extra Dry. Among them Chamomile, Coriander from Morocco, Bitter Oranges from Tunisia or Orris Root from Italy.

Noilly Prat Extra Dry is ideal for preparing a 50:50 Martini Cocktail.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Mostly Viognier (55%) but with other permitted white varieties, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a medium-bodied, vibrant, pure style to go with lovely peach and tangerine-like aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding, classy white over the coming 2-3 years. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the Côtes du Rhône white from this team, especially given the quantities produced.

Winemaker Description 

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier; white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

Winemaker Description 

Leonor is a 12 year old Palo Cortado Sherry and described as the wild child of Jerez. It shows a light mahogany color with golden tones and a slight orange rim. On the nose intense and complex with notes of hazlenut perfectly balanced with aromas of bitter orange and mature oak. On the palate powerful and intense with toasted notes yet smooth and silky. Due to its power and structure this wine is perfect with mature cheeses and stong meats such as venison. Serve chilled.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points James Suckling | A very elegant example of this rare type of Sherry, which combines the best of Fino freshness with Oloroso richness. Long finish with delicate dried-fruit and toasted-nut character. Drink now. Aged for 12 years in cask. Drink now.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Bright, with fennel seed, Brazil nut, green tea, ginger and hazelnut husk notes that are racy and dry from start to finish. Dried green fig accents add a subtle seduction on the finish.

91 Points Decanter | Aromas of caramel and curry spices. Milk chocolate on the palate with a soft texture and delicate body. A very harmonious wine with a long and spicy finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Elegant and refined, with soft touches of candied cherries, walnuts and almonds, this is a textbook Palo Cortado. Aged 12 years in botas, it falls halfway between Amontillado and Oloroso in flavor, but much closer to the former. It needs only smoked trout.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This dry Sherry is a touch hot, with alcohol swirling around the glass, but there’s also complex, welcoming aromas of almond, apricot and toffee. The palate is appropriately rich, with flavors of caramel, toasted nuts and buttered toast. A finish with walnut, truffle and mushroom flavors urges contemplation.

Winemaker Description 

When Edmond de AYALA founded the House in 1860, he focussed on crafting a champagne with a distinct and recognisable style, known today as AYALA Brut Majeur. A pure and balanced champagne which showcases the diverse personalities of Champagne’s different Terroirs.

Crafted with a unique diversity of crus from Champagne’s vineyard, this cuvée is a multi-cru and multi-vintage blend with Chardonnay as main grape variety.

To preserve this pure style, the House brings its expertise and meticulous approach to the micro-vinification process, always with a minimum of intervention on wines.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Made with vanilla and a Cognac base, this liqueur has a muted plum hue and a rich, black cherry scent. The palate is lightly sweet and easy-sipping, with a warming, candied berry-cherry flavor. Sip or mix.

Expert Review 

95 Points Tasting Panel | On the heels of intense aromas of marzipan and honeyed peach follows one of the silkiest mouthfeels imaginable, with a weighty caress of cocoa and almond on the palate that lingers until the next sip.

Producer Description 

The velvety smooth taste and unmistakable aroma gave Disaronno the reputation of the world’s favorite Italian liqueur, which is stated proudly on its label. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | This wine is comprised of grapes from 60 different vineyard lots in Sonoma County that are blended together to create one full-bodied, delicious Chardonnay.

COOPERAGE: 8 months in French oak, 20% new

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 90 Points | Pithy and bright, with the producer's telltale demure fruit and stony texture. Pithy, delicious and beautifully saline. A mid-weighted expression that prizes phenolics as much as freshness, this is a textbook opening act. Drink or hold.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A minerally white, fresh and lightly chalky in texture, offering an appealing range of ripe green apple and pear fruit flavors, with details of honeysuckle, pickled ginger and salty minerality. Drink now. 9,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

This Champagne is a blend of some 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, respectively 40% and 60% of the total, from several harvests of perfectly ripened grapes.

Expert Reviews

95 Points Tasting Panel |  Bright and lively, this is one of my favorite non vintage Bruts. Crisp andPoints balanced, with smooth, exuberant, Chardonnay-driven style; racy, elegant, and totally charming; long and memorable. 

92 Points James Suckling | A dry, fresh and delicious Taittinger with aromas and flavors of apples, fresh lemons and minerals. Full-bodied. Precise. White pepper and salt at the end. 40% chardonnay and 35% pinot noir, the rest pinot meunier. Three to four years on the lees. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Macrostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay offers up alluring layers of persimmon, ripe Meyer lemon, and rich brioche.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

MaryAnn Worobiec of the Wine Spectator writes 91 Points | Intensely juicy, with wonderful purity to the pear, pineapple, and tangerine flavors, notes of lemon blossoms, and dashes of honey and spices. Shows mouthwatering acidity on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of minerality lingers. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Elegantly structured and polished, Faust 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet is exquisitely balanced between freshness and richness on the palate. The cool forest notes that lift from the glass meld with oak spice, bay laurel, and fragrant underbrush while the wine's signature star anise gives way to beautifully concentrated flavors of Luxardo cherry, blueberry compote, and dark cocoa.

Fine-grained tannins wrap around a backbone of acidity that persists-with intriguing wet-slate minerality-endlessly on the finish. The generous character of this wine makes it delicious now, but with its tight structure, it will age beautifully.